Major floods hit the Northern part of South Africa. Kruger National Park and Mapungubwe National Parks have been severely affected by these floods.

In Mapungubwe camps were flooded and several staff members lost their possessions when their accommodation was flooded.

In Kruger, Shingwedzi camp was entirely flooded and severe damage was caused. The staff village, home to some 250 people was entirely flooded. Staff members had to be evacuated by helicopter. Staff members lost all their possessions and left only with the clothes on their bodies.

Fortunately no one has died or been seriously injured. All these people have been severely traumatised. SANParks has provided the people with trauma counselling and supplied the initial needs of food, etc.

SANParks has asked the SANParks Honorary Rangers to head up the relief effort for these members of staff.

There will be an opportunity on the 1st of February for members of the public to donate clothes, blankets and non-perishable foods. This will take place at King David School in Johannesburg at 10:00.

Members of the public are welcome to deliver items to reception at Phalaborwa Gate of Kruger National Park. Here it will be received by the Bushveld Region of the SANParks Honorary Rangers and distributed to those in need.

The main focus of the relief effort will be to raise funds to supply the flood victims with basic items such as beds, mattresses, blankets and school clothing. SANParks has identified a list of needs to be supplied. These items are best bought in bulk as it ensures that the correct items are bought and makes the logistics much easier to manage.

All money raised will be managed by the SANParks Honorary Rangers. As part of our standard financial practice not a sent raised will be used to cover costs or be used for other purposes.

There are only two ways where the public should donate to this cause:

Money can be donated via the SANParks Honorary Rangers Flood account and GivenGain.